For Hyundai, recognitions will be the key element in Chile

Only one victory in ten rally : le maigre bilan de Hyundai en 2023 fait peur à voir pour une équipe aux ambitions de titre mondial. Pourtant, le constructeur coréen parvient à placer au moins une de ses voitures sur le podium à chaque manche. Toyota garde la mainmise sur le championnat, avec huit victoires en dix manches, dont trois pour Kalle Rovanperä et autant pour Sébastien Ogier.

Returning to Chile for the first time in four years, Hyundai aims to finish the season with a bang and beat their Japanese rivals. On a rally that has only been contested once – and won by Ott Tänak in 2019, with Toyota – the three crews entered will have to rediscover the Chilean trails. A fast course but where the grip is lower than on usual gravel rallies. The first step on the path to success will obviously involve recognition, which will have particular importance in Chile.

Neuville aims for podium for Hyundai

“There will be a lot of new specials, so our previous experience doesn't help us much in our preparations. This is why the recognitions will be very important, highlighted Thierry Neuville, currently 3rd in the championship behind the Rovanperä – Evans duo. Last time in Chile it was quite difficult for me because I had a big accident. We are going back this year with the aim of finishing on the podium. For this we will need consistency, a good feeling in the car and a configuration that works well on the roads. If we can get all these elements aligned, we will be fast. »

The Belgian will be accompanied by his permanent teammate, Esapekka Lappi, but also by Teemu Suninen. Hyundai's choice to select the Finn rather than Dani Sordo may have seemed surprising, but his presence will serve as a life-size test to prepare for 2024. He is also banking on recognition for his first gravel rally of the season in Rally1.

“Most of the stages are new, so our preparations will be different. To succeed, it is essential to take good notes on the correct rhythm during recognition, explains Teemu Suninen. Chile's roads are normally fast, but we expect them to be slower than those in Estonia and Finland, as they are a bit more technical. The surface is pretty smooth, so we'll just be able to push it to the limit from start to finish. We will try to improve our pace compared to Finland and finish as high as possible. »

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